05/01/2026
Thank you Jane Whitlock, Providence Place in Minnesota and Suzanne B O'Brien, founder of Doulagivers , for all of the beautiful work that you are doing!
“The death doula movement is rising to a whole new level right now—because people are remembering what we’ve always known deep down:
That how we care for one another at the end of life… matters deeply.
That families deserve support.
That presence is medicine.”
Friday Reflection: This Is How We Change the World!
In 2015, in a small training room in New York City, I had the honor of teaching a woman named Jane Whitlock how to become a Doulagiver—an end-of-life doula.
Like so many who feel this calling, Jane said yes to something bigger than herself.
Over the years, she continued to follow that path… serving, educating, and showing up with heart.
And then in January 2021, something extraordinary happened.
Providence Place in Minnesota made a bold and visionary decision.
They hired Jane as their resident end-of-life doula.
Let that sink in for a moment.
An entire care community recognizing that death is not just medical… it is human. It is emotional. It is spiritual. It is sacred.
And from that one decision… a ripple effect began.
Today, their program has grown to include multiple doulas.
They have created butterfly ceremonies and vigil rituals for their residents.
They are supporting not just the patient—but the family… and the staff.
This is what it looks like when care evolves.
This is what it looks like when we bring humanity back into healthcare.
🙏 A heartfelt acknowledgment to Providence Place for being true pioneers—early adopters who saw what was possible and chose to lead with compassion, courage, and innovation.
And to Jane… what a beautiful example of saying yes to your purpose and allowing it to unfold.
This is the movement.
The death doula movement is rising to a whole new level right now—because people are remembering what we’ve always known deep down:
That how we care for one another at the end of life… matters deeply.
That families deserve support.
That presence is medicine.
That death can be peaceful, meaningful—even sacred.
If you feel called to this work, trust that.
If you simply want to better care for someone you love, start there.
💫 Take the Family Caregiver Training.
💫 Learn the skills.
💫 Be part of bringing this back to humanity.
Because this… this is how we change the world.
One person.
One family.
One courageous “yes” at a time.
With so much love and gratitude,
xo Suzanne
